BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

WITH the crawfish season set to open tomorrow, the Department of Marine Resources in Freeport is processing applications for air compressor permits.

Last year, 68 permits were issued in Grand Bahama. Air compressors can only be used by Bahamians, and only in depths of between 30 to 60 feet during the open season from August 1 to March 31, 2015.

Michelle Knowles, marine resource officer in Freeport, believes that the increase in the cost of fuel may result in a decline in permits applications.

“The cost of diesel and fuel has gone up and a lot of persons are not applying because it would be costly to run their boats,” she said yesterday.